June 28, 2007

Enlightened self-interest is very important. Historically, black people have always have been concerned about converting self-interest into public policy. Black people infused their voices in the debate.

The forum was very effective in bringing out the core issues. Now it's impossible to have a Democratic or Republican debate without black input. The format was problematic; they have to figure out a way to get the candidates to talk to each other.

I would have a Marshall Plan to build better understanding in the Muslim world. We need a structure for peace, reconciliation among groups. I would bring in Iran and Syria. We cannot start reconciliation until we bring our troops out.

Senator Biden did a great job answering all the questions that were asked of him and showed his experience dealing with foreign affairs. His answers on education, HIV-AIDS were right on target.

I came across a heated exchange between Tavis Smiley and Washington Post staff writer Micheal Leahy. Tavis to Leahy:

If I wanted to I could have asked all the questions. I wanted to showcase journalists of color.

Tavis then stormed off. I asked Leahy what that was all about. Leahy told me he had questioned Tavis about the way he handled the debate. Leahy then gave me an earful:

I asked Tavis why he mentioned his book. Did he feel upset that he spent more time talking about himself and his book than the candidates had to answer questions. He spent more time promoting his book and making a three-minute statement...When was the last time in a presidential debate the moderator had more time than the candidates? It was unprecedented.

I'm here in the Media Filing Center and Spin Room in the Blackburn Center on the campus of Howard University for the "All-American Presidential Forums on PBS," moderated by Tavis Smiley.

On the way here, I asked my cabbie, Zena Mitika, an Ethiopian, what he would ask the presidential candidates if given the opportunity.

Without taking his eyes off the road, Zena said he would ask why America is so concerned about helping others around the world when there is so much need here at home, including in the nation's capitol.

Zena said Africans understand you have to start at home. "It starts with you own family. It starts with America first."

Zena would ask the candidates about the racial gap in economic opportunities between white Americans and minority Americans.